PoetsIN Schools

We offer support for mental illness and promote the rehabilitation of people with mental illness and disabilities using creativity, mentorship, and written expression as an outlet for both children and adults. We strive to improve mental wellbeing within society, reduce anxiety, increase self-worth, help guide the exploration of one's mental illness, decrease self-harm, and reduce the risk of suicide within a population where 1 in 4 individuals suffer from some form of diagnosed mental illness. We also aim to raise awareness and reduce the stigma attached to mental illness and disability. Stigma is often born from a lack of knowledge, which is why we utilise both our online and our community presence to talk openly about mental illness and disability, its causes, its manifestations, and its treatments. Through our publications and our conversations, we educate those who do not understand mental illness and disability or have no experience with them. We build a community of advocates who provide a voice to those who feel too ashamed or stigmatised to talk about their own mental illness and utilise the arts - creative writing in particular - to inform, break barriers, and educate. 99% of people report a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms; self-harm and suicidal thoughts; and an increase in self-worth and confidence following our workshops.